Zelensky accuses Slovak PM of playing Putin's energy game
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has accused the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, of opening a "second energy front" against Ukraine at the behest of Vladimir Putin.
Volodymyr Zelensky claims these actions are being carried out under the orders of Vladimir Putin. "It appears that Putin gave Fico the order to open the second energy front against Ukraine at the expense of the Slovak people’s interests. " Zelensky wrote on the X platform.
Energy conflict between Ukraine and Slovakia
Zelensky stressed that any threats to cut off emergency power supplies to Ukraine this winter are particularly perilous, given the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian power plants and the power grid. Slovakia contributes approximately 19 per cent to Ukraine's electricity imports, making it a notable partner in this area.
According to the President of Ukraine, "Fico's shortsighted policy has already deprived the Slovak people of compensation for losing Russian gas transit" and now the Slovak Prime Minister risks losing another £160 million that Ukraine pays for electricity imports.
Fico's meeting with Putin
The Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, has threatened to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv halts the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia after New Year’s. Earlier this week, Fico met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, which further exacerbated the situation.
On Monday, Zelensky reported that Fico rejected a proposal to compensate for losses due to Ukraine ceasing the transit of Russian gas. The energy conflict between Ukraine and Slovakia is escalating, and its consequences might be felt in the coming months.
